The University of Paris was one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. It played a significant role in shaping the intellectual landscape of medieval Europe and beyond.
However, in 1968, the University of Paris experienced a major crisis that led to its shutdown. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the shutdown.
The Background
The University of Paris was founded in 1150 and it quickly became one of the most important centers of learning in Europe. It was divided into thirteen different colleges, each specializing in a particular field such as law, theology, medicine or philosophy. It attracted scholars from all over Europe and produced some of the most famous intellectuals in history, including Thomas Aquinas and Rene Descartes.
The Crisis
In 1968, France was undergoing a period of social and political upheaval. Students were protesting against various issues such as discrimination against women, poor living conditions for students, and the Vietnam War. The protests soon spread to universities throughout France including the University of Paris.
The situation at the University of Paris became particularly intense when students occupied one of its buildings on May 3rd. The occupation soon spread to other buildings on campus and resulted in clashes with police. The protesters demanded changes to education policies that they saw as outdated and discriminatory.
The Shutdown
The French government responded by shutting down all universities across France on May 14th, including the University of Paris. This decision was made to restore order and prevent further unrest. The shutdown lasted for several weeks and had a significant impact on students’ academic progress.
Impact
The shutdown had far-reaching consequences for both students and staff at the university. Students were unable to complete their courses as planned which delayed graduation for many years. Staff members lost their jobs or had their salaries reduced significantly during this period.
Aftermath
Eventually, the University of Paris was reopened but it was restructured into a different form. The thirteen different colleges that made up the university were merged into a single institution, which became known as Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University. This new institution was designed to be more efficient and modern.
In conclusion, the shutdown of the University of Paris in 1968 was a result of various social and political factors. The protests and unrest that led to the shutdown were an expression of student discontent with the education system and wider society. Although the university eventually reopened, it was restructured in a way that reflected changing attitudes towards education in France at the time.